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The Angels went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and they stranded eight runners on base as they fell to the Rangers, 4-3.
They had countless opportunities to take the lead, but they couldn’t seem to pull through. Their first opportunity came in the sixth inning. Trailing 4-3, the Angels had runners on first and second with only one out. Max Stassi and Justin Upton both flew out, stranding both runners on base and ending the inning.
The seventh inning presented even more of a golden opportunity. Yet again, they had runners on first and second with one out. Shohei Ohtani struck out swinging for the second out. Anthony Rendon followed with a walk, and the bases were loaded for Tommy La Stella. He got ahead in the count 3-1, but after a called strike, the count was full. He swung at a 98 mph sinker from Jonathan Hernandez, fouling out to end the inning.
Happy birthday, Mike Trout
Most of the offense was provided by the birthday boy. On his 29th birthday, Mike Trout crushed this two run home run. It was his fifth career homer on his birthday. Before the Angels recorded their first out, they had two runs. Over the course of their next 27 outs they’d score only one run.
That pitch was a very thoughtful birthday gift ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iCm4fRacAV
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) August 8, 2020
Griffin Canning struggles
It was a rough outing for Griffin Canning, as he only lasted 3 2⁄3 innings. He allowed four runs, though only one of them was earned. Canning really struggled with command, as he walked six batters. Of his 88 pitches, only 45 of them were for strikes.
Things really fell apart for him in the fourth inning. After the first two batters got on base, an error from La Stella loaded the bases. Robinson Chirinos then walked, bringing in a run, tying the game at two. Then, a run came in to score on an error from Canning on a pickoff attempt. After another walk, Canning allowed another runner to score after he hit Nick Solak with a pitch.
The Angels’ bullpen held down the fort over the final 4 1⁄3 innings, allowing no runs. Unfortunately, the offense just couldn’t wake up.
Friday particulars
WP: Jordan Lyles (1-1) 5 1⁄3 IP, 3 ER, 5 SO
LP: Griffin Canning (0-2) 3 2⁄3 IP, 4 R, 1 ER, 6 BB
SV: Rafael Montero (1) 1 IP, 2 SO
HR: Mike Trout (5)
Up next
The Angels look to even the series tomorrow. Patrick Sandoval will make his second start of the season. First pitch is at 4:05 p.m. PT on Fox Sports West.